Spinster Frenzy Giddings has gracefully endured the harsh tongues of her town's gossips, particularly Mrs. Tyarck and Mrs. Capron, her entire life. One day, they stop by her store, and she tells them of her difficulties keeping rose worms from attacking her beautiful flowers. She shows the other women her garden, and they deride her for her traps for insects and predators harming her plants. As time wears on, Mrs. Tyarck and Mrs. Capron spread rumors about Frenzy throughout the community, even calling her a sinner in the church. They also choose a young woman as a target, a happy yet wayward girl who rides automobiles and wears trousers. One day, Frenzy discovers the targeted girl in her shop, lying on the floor, clothes shredded. She takes her in and nurtures her back to health, ultimately hiring her as an assistant. When Mrs. Tyarck and Mrs. Capron return to berate the girl for her choices and accuse Frenzy of "cruelties," Frenzy snaps and retaliates for the first time in her life. She calls them worms, trying to destroy beautiful young flowers that Frenzy only wants to see grow. Shocked and horrified, the women leave, and Frenzy returns to caring for her garden and assistant contentedly.